The University of Waterloo Library is committed to being a supportive and equitable partner in learning and research to all library users. In times where public health emergencies disrupt the Library’s ability to operate normally, we will first prioritize the health and safety of staff and visitors, following all university, public health and government guidelines. Secondarily, the Library will adjust essential service delivery methods to provide consistent and equitable access to all library users to support anytime, anywhere learning and research.
Scope
This continuity plan covers the following University of Waterloo Library locations:
- Dana Porter Library
- Davis Centre Library
Library staff will liaise with the Architecture, Optometry, Pharmacy and AFIW libraries to provide consistent service and messaging to the campus community.
Continuity leadership
The Library’s Return to Campus committee will lead the internal coordination of service changes in the event of a public health disruption. They will liaise with the appropriate campus groups to ensure consistent response.
Continuity communication
Any service changes will be communicated to library users through the maintenance of a service update web page and further disseminated through the Library’s external communication channels in a timely manner.
Action plan
The Library’s continuity plan focuses on digital delivery of resources and consultations, where possible, to provide consistent and equitable access to all library users during times of changing public health guidelines.
Level definitions
Level 0: Strict lockdown
Level 1: Stay at home order
Level 2: Heightened restrictions
Level 3: Some restrictions/2M physical distancing
Level 4: Some safety measures/50% capacity limitations
Access to library spaces
Library services |
Level 0 |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Study space |
No access |
No access |
Bookable study carrels @ Davis |
Bookable study carrels @ Davis |
Drop in study carrels @ Davis and Porter; bookable individual study rooms |
Public computers |
No access |
No access |
Bookable workstations @ Davis |
Bookable workstations @ Davis |
Drop in workstations @ Davis and Porter |
Printing |
No access |
No access |
Drop-in workstations @ Davis |
Drop-in workstations @ Davis |
Drop-in workstations @ Davis and Porter |
Drop-in partner services* |
Virtual |
Virtual |
Virtual |
Virtual |
Virtual |
*Partner services include Writing and Communication Centre, Peer tutoring, Centre for Career Action, Office of Research Ethics
Access to collections
Library services |
Level 0 |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Physical collection |
HathiTrust ETAS virtual access, book mail-out |
HathiTrust ETAS virtual access, book mail-out and pick-up @ Porter |
HathiTrust ETAS virtual access, book mail-out and pick-up @ Porter |
HathiTrust ETAS virtual access, book mail-out and pick-up @ Porter and Davis |
HathiTrust ETAS virtual access, book mail-out and pick-up @ Porter and Davis |
Special Collections & Archives |
Virtual support |
Virtual support |
Virtual support |
Virtual support; in-person access by appointment |
Virtual support; in-person access by appointment |
Geospatial Centre |
Virtual support |
Virtual support |
Virtual support |
Virtual support; in-person access by appointment |
Virtual support; in-person access by appointment |
Librarian and reference services
Library Services |
Level 0 |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reference services |
Chat and email reference |
Chat and email reference |
Chat and email reference |
Chat and email reference; in-person exceptions to be made based on necessity |
Chat and email reference; Porter and Davis circulation desks |
Librarian consultation services |
Virtual |
Virtual |
Virtual |
Virtual; in-person exceptions to be made based on necessity |
Virtual; walk in, in-person consultations based on demand |
Library instruction |
Virtual |
Virtual |
Virtual |
Virtual, with requests for in-person instruction assessed on a case-by-case basis |
Virtual, with requests for in-person instruction assessed on a case-by-case basis |